<span style="color: #222222;">President Ram Nath Kovind inaugurated Sant Kabir Academy and Research Centre at Sant Kabir Nagar in Uttar Pradesh on Sunday.<br />''<br />'' He said the life of Kabir is an epitome of human virtue and his teachings are still relevant even after 650 years today. He described Kabir's life as an ideal example of communal solidarity.<br />''<br />''The President, in his address, said Kabir emphasised that humanity can only be served by having an attitude of affection towards the downtrodden. Though Kabir did not have formal education, he acquired knowledge by the company of saints, he said adding Kabir's teaching had shaken the conscience of the fragmented society. Kabir spread the message of love, devotion and harmony in the tumultuous times when India faced the wrath of foreign invaders, he added. Kabir communicated directly to the masses in their local dialect and it was necessary to awaken the society which was divided on the lines of caste and creed, he said.<br />''<br />''The President said Kabir believed that God resides within us. He said Kabir took the charge of social emancipation and led his family life as a saint.<br />''<br />''Earlier, the President paid homage to the great poet and saint of the Bhakti Movement at his Samadhi sthal in Maghar. He also offered chadar at his mazaar and planted a sapling in the premises of the Kabir Chaura Dham.<br />''<br />''Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath accompanied the President.<br />''<br />''Mr. Kovind is scheduled to visit Varanasi today where he will offer prayers at Kashi Vishwanath Dham in the evening. The President will leave for Lucknow from Varanasi. He will address a joint session of the state legislature in Lucknow tomorrow on the final day of his visit to Uttar Pradesh.<br />''</span><br />''President Ram Nath Kovind reached Varanasi this afternoon on the third day of his visit to Uttar Pradesh. Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other senior officials welcomed him at LBS airport. He will visit Kashi Vishwanath temple in the evening and will perform Pooja there.